Testimonials / Quotes from Current and Former Prisoners

''Yoga and its emphasis on the power of a single breath has promoted for me a respect for life and a profound realization of the destructive force of violence.'' - S.L.

''I have a strengthened identity with self and a sense of something universal. It has given me the ability to affect my own well being and peace without dependency upon someone else or chemical substance.'' - T.W.

''I have experienced decreased anxiety and improved ability to deal with stress. I have also been able to relieve back pain and in general manage pain and injuries.'' - S.L.

''I used drugs and alcohol for many years basically to kill the pain of my life. Yoga has helped clear my mind, deal with the pain, move into the present and just love myself and who I am.'' - J.B.

''I truly believe I have found a process (in yoga) to deal with my personal struggles without medicating. I have found a path to calming myself when faced with adversity, and quieting my mind to see the world from a different perspective.'' - P.U.

''I came in contact with yoga before I came to prison but always thought it was for hippies or older folks. But now that I have taken yoga, I feel less physical pain, I sleep better and I'm more at peace with myself.'' - D. W.

''It was mainly because of the inner peace and trust that I have developed and nurtured through my Yoga practice that I was able to respond to a potential violent situation with calm.'' - B.B.

''In my opinion the teacher has thrown a pontoon to a bunch of swimmers who believe they are not going to make it because we can't see the shore. Yoga is remarkable.'' - M.S.

''For those of us sentenced to a life term, time is inexorable. We are challenged to draw vitality and meaning from our circumstances. Yoga has helped me to understand that it is in quietness and stillness that time becomes an ally not a foe. It is in stillness that I realize the things that are important and those things that really do not matter.'' - S.L.

''What I received from the yoga classes is an avenue to live a life that is, well, so much more alive. I've learned that I can live in the present with an awareness I never felt possible and lead a life that is healthy, grounded and true.'' - T.L.

''I am grateful to the powers that be for having put a teacher such as yourself in my life. I have reconciled myself to a life of sobriety and plan to seriously pursue my spiritual practices, especially Yoga.'' - R.C.